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Compare the best small automatic cars

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Rated 4.6/5 from 53,407 reviews

Best small automatic cars of 2024

Small cars have come on in leaps and bounds over the past decade and moving from a larger, older car need not mean a step down in specification levels or refinement. Especially if you pick one with a modern automatic gearbox. Here are some of the very best ones you can buy today.

Hyundai i10

1. Hyundai i10

8/10
Hyundai i10 review
Over the years Hyundai has gradually evolved its smallest i10 model into a truly impressive little city car. It is very easy to drive although the base models don't come with much kit. Mid-range versions can be equipped with an automated manual transmission which is a boon in traffic. Impressively, Hyundai only charges a small amount extra for the automatic option compared to a manual model.
Peugeot 208

2. Peugeot 208

8/10
Peugeot 208 review
The 208 is one of the most striking cars in its class thanks to its adventurous exterior design and smart looking interior. A slick eight-speed automatic is an option on the petrol models. The only real negative points are a slightly fussy infotainment screen and tight rear legroom. Electric version is even better — if expensive — if you’re driving mostly in town.

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Volkswagen Polo

3. Volkswagen Polo

8/10
Volkswagen Polo review
For a big car experience in a small package look no further than the accomplished VW Polo. It may not be the most fun to drive and the options can get pricey, but it has a very comfortable ride and the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is quick and smooth.
Ford Fiesta

4. Ford Fiesta

7/10
Ford Fiesta review
The default sporty drive in the small car segment is also comfortable and comes well equipped. It’s a bit short on luggage and rear passenger space, though. Higher-spec petrol models can be fitted with a seven-speed automatic, making the Fiesta an even better traffic-friendly hatchback. Worth remembering that the Fiesta is now technically out of production, so if you want one you’ll be buying from stock.
Honda Jazz

5. Honda Jazz

7/10
Honda Jazz review
The latest Honda Jazz is all about space, efficiency and ease of use. It has a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain which comes standard with an automatic gearbox making it great for town use. It is a bit pricier than some alternatives and isn’t the most exciting to drive, though.
MINI 5-Door Hatch

6. MINI Hatch

7/10
MINI 5-Door Hatch review
The MINI Hatch offers an engaging driving experience and offers tonnes of customisation options. Every model can also be fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which is sharp and suits the fizzy nature of the car. It is a bit tight inside though, so pick the five-door if you plan on carrying passengers. The all-electric MINI is the easiest of all to drive around town, but it struggles with range for longer journeys.
Fiat 500e

7. Fiat 500 Electric

7/10
Fiat 500e review
Battery range up to 195 miles
It sure isn’t cheap, but the all-electric Fiat 500 Electric is one of the most swish small cars in which to drive around town. Battery power means a standard automatic gearbox, and if you splash out on the top-spec version, you’ll get a reasonably useful 199-mile range. Optional full-length sunroof turns it into a convertible, too.
Skoda Fabia

8. Skoda Fabia

9/10
Skoda Fabia review
The Fabia is a really accomplished all-rounder, with a cabin that’s actually nicer than that of a Volkswagen Polo (which is basically the same car underneath) and a boot that’s as big as that of the much more expensive Golf. The automatic option is a good choice, but a pricey one as it’ll cost you an extra £1,000 over a manual gearbox.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid

9. Toyota Yaris Hybrid

7/10
Toyota Yaris Hybrid review
The Yaris does lack a bit when it comes to back seat and boot space, but it’s surprisingly sparky to drive, and that 1.5-litre hybrid engine means that you can get exceptional economy (and quite a lot of electric-only running) around town, without having to worry about charging a battery for longer journeys. The CVT automatic gearbox can mean a bit of extra noise, but it’s worth it for the fuel savings.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric

10. Vauxhall Corsa Electric

6/10
Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Battery range up to 222 miles
The Vauxhall Corsa is already an accomplished small hatchback, and it’s made even better in fully electric guise. It can get a bit tight in the rear for adults but you get nippy performance, impressive range and a decent amount of kit. Being electric means there are no gearchanges to worry about either, but it has become a very expensive car, especially if you want the latest version with a 250 mile range.

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Advice about small automatic cars

Small automatic cars FAQs

The Honda Jazz and Hyundai i10 are both considered to be very reliable for small automatic cars, however most modern automatics should provide trouble-free motoring well past their warranty periods. For extra piece of mind the Kia Picanto offers an impressive seven-year warranty (the norm is closer to three years).

Electric small cars like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric should also be extremely reliable thanks to their far simpler mechanical components and a gearbox comprising of a single gear sending power from the electric motor to the driven wheels. 

Different marques owned by the same parent company often share mechanical components, such as the Audi A1, SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo which have the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This can often result in more thoroughly developed components which can result in enhanced reliability.

The Kia Picanto is currently the cheapest small automatic car you can buy. It undercuts most of its rivals by a few thousand pounds and still offers a seven-year warranty as standard. With just 66bhp on offer from its 1.0-litre engine, you may want to spend a bit more if you plan to do any sort of motorway driving.

The Dacia Sandero used to be available with a CVT automatic transmission. It’s more spacious than the Picanto and has 90bhp, but equipment levels are rather minimal. They're extremely rare to find on the used market, though.

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